BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. It's a simple screening tool that may indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health. It's a quick screening tool that can help identify potential weight problems.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.
Q1: What are the BMI categories for adults?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obese (≥30).
Q2: Is BMI different for women and men?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both women and men, though women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.
Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution.
Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to lose or gain weight.
Q5: Is BMI accurate for pregnant women?
A: No, BMI should not be calculated during pregnancy as weight gain is expected and necessary for healthy fetal development.